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UNIVERSITY OF NTAPYLAND
1 1 1 9 M.lin Adrninistmt~onUuilding
College Park. Maryland 2 0 7 4 2 - 5 0 3 1
301 4 0 5 . 5 2 5 2 T E L 301.40.i.8105 FAX
OFFICE O F T H E S E N I O R VICE P I G S I D E N 7
F O R ACADEMIC AFFAlliS A N D PROVOST
May 23,2006
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ann Wylie Interim Dean, Graduate School FROM: Phyllis Peres
Associate
Academic Planning and Programs
SUBJECT: Proposal to Add a Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Public Health
Informatics (PCC Log No. 05046)
At its meeting on April 7, 2006, the Senate Committee on Programs, Curricula, and
Courses approved the proposal to add a Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Public
Health Informatics. A copy of the approved proposal is enclosed. Please accept my apologies
for the delay in formal notification.
The Graduate School should ensure that this program is appropriately reflected in all
University documentation.
CWRI Enclosure cc: James Baeder, Chair, Senate PCC
Sarah Bauder, Office of Student Financial Aid
Mary Giles, University Senate
Barbara Hope, Data Administration
Anne Turkos, Archives
Linda Yokoi, Office of the Registrar
Gay Gullickson, Graduate School
Kristin Owens, Office of Professional Studies
Ed Hsu, Public and Community Health
Robin Sawyer, College of Health and Human Performance
THE UN1 v ERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
PROGRAMICURRICULUM PROPOSAL
DIRECTIONS:
Provide one form with original approval signatures in lines I - 4 for each proposed action. Keep this form to one page in length.
Early consultation with the OEce of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning & Programs is strongly recommended if there are
questions or concerns, particularly with new programs.
Please submit the signed form to Claudia Rector, OEce of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Programs, 1 1 19 Main
Administration Building, Campus.
Please email the rest of the proposal as an MSWord attachment to pcc-submissions@umd.edu.
PCC LOG NCI
DATE SUBMITTED-1Vovember 30,2005-
05046
COLLEGEISCHOOL-Health and Human PerformanceDEPARTMENTIPROGRAM- Department of Public and Community HealthPROPOSED ACTION (A separate form for each) ADD-V- DELETE
CHANGE
DESCRIPTION (Provide a succinct account of the proposed action. Details should be provided in an
attachment. Provide old and new sample programs for curriculum changes.)
Establish an online 12-credit certificate program in public health informatics.
- See attached proposal and syllabus.
JUSTIFICATIOIV/REASONS/RESOURCES
(Briefly explain the reason for the proposed action. Identzjj the
source of new resources that may be required. Details should be provided in an attachment.)
Clear need for more public health offerings in an online (e.g., Web-based) environment. Public health informatics is a cutting edge and burgeoning field that has potential impact on health surveillance. No new resources will be required. 474b~
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APPROVAL SIGNATURES
D TE 1. Department Committee Cha
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2. Department Chair
3. College/School PCC
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4. Dean
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5. Dean of the Graduate
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6. Chair, Senate PCC
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Professional Studies
Program Agreement
Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Public Health Informatics
February 14, 2006
The University of Maryland is committed to providing educational programs that meet
the needs of a variety of audiences. As part of our graduate offerings, the Masters of
Professional Studies and the Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies are designed
for adult students who wish to increase their subject-matter knowledge as well as
prepare them for new challenges related to their professional areas. These programs
are managed by the Office of Professional Studies, with academic oversight by
Academic units, and housed in the Graduate School.
Academic Oversight Committee Members
CORE Representative (committee chair and graduate director):
C. Ed Hsu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Public & Community Health
College of Health and Human Development
Graduate School Representative:
Ann Wylie
Dean, Graduate School
OPS Program Manager:
Paul Roche
Senior Project Manager
Office of Professional Studies
Certificate Description
Public Health Informatics is broadly defined as the systematic application of information
and computer sciences and technology to public health practice and research. It
concerns how health data is collected, stored and communicated; how data is
processed into information suitable for administrative and clinical decision making; and
how computer and telecommunications technology can be applied to support those
1
processes. The Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies in Public Health
Informatics is an online, graduate-level program in applied health informatics. The
curriculum supports the emerging international movement toward evidence-based
approaches to health information management, including evaluation and integration of
health information systems for health data collection, analysis, and presentation. It
intends to familiarize students with most recent technologies and computer applications
in public health education and practice.
The program will provide students with a thorough understanding of the theory and
practice of health informatics in the real world. Additionally, students will be required to
demonstrate the ability to use scientific and population health principles to evaluate and
implement health information systems. Students will learn to use qualitative and
quantitative methods for conducting health surveillance activities and enhancing public
health preparedness, as well as use computer models to measure and present health
outcomes. The certificate program is comprised of four 3-credit courses. There is no
research component required and the certificate program can be completed entirely
online in 8 months on a part-time basis.
These courses also meet the CEU requirements of the Society for Public Health
Educators (SOPHE), an independent, international professional association made up of
a diverse membership of health education professionals and students. The online
program features chat rooms, threaded discussions and full access to the University of
Maryland library services.
Admissions Criteria
The admissions policy will reflect current university standards, including the prerequisite
bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA is all undergraduate classes. Official undergraduate
transcripts from all colleges attended must be provided. As is currently the case,
professional experience may be substituted for an entrance exam and students must
have completed the prerequisites for courses in the program.
Required Courses
HLTH 688 V - Public Health Information Systems (3 credits) Public health
information systems relate to the employment of technology, planning and
management, and applications in health care and public health. The emphasis is on
conceptual frameworks as well as a deeper level of engagement on system
applications. This is not a course in computer programming; rather the main focus is on
the application of technology, with a particular emphasis on the private/public sector of
health management. The course is designed to familiarize students with core concepts
& issues confronting health managers and practitioners in planning, implementation and
evaluation of information systems.
HLTH 688 U - Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance (3
credits) Geographic Information Systems provide essential support for public health
2
preparedness, response and surveillance. The two major GIS key components are
informatics approaches to conducting health surveillance using technologies, and GIS
applications in health care and public health. The course is designed to familiarize
students with core concepts & applications confronting health managers in planning,
implementation and evaluation of geographic information systems.
HLTH 688 W - Information Management for Public Health Professionals (3 credits)
Health information management is concerned with the collection, storage, presentation
and interpretation of health data. This curriculum covers concepts, case study, and
applications of informatics in health care and public health. The main focus is on the
application of technology, with a particular emphasis on the public context of health
management. The emphasis is on both system applications and a deeper level of
engagement on evaluation. It is designed to introduce students to core emerging
information systems that have potential to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of
health delivery.
HLTH 688 Y - Advanced Health Informatics (3 credits) This course contains 3
modules of advanced health informatics practice, including the research, evaluation and
applications of informatics in public health and health care. The emphasis is on a
deeper level of engagement on health system applications. Several important health
monitoring systems, such as Community Health Information Systems, and NCI cancer
mapping projects will be introduced. The emphasis is on the public sector of health
management. It is designed to familiarize students with core concepts and issues
confronting managers in the health sector associated with planning, implementation and
evaluation of information systems.
Permanent Course Numbers
Concurrent to the progress of the Certificate in Public Health Informatics through the
PCC approval process, each of these four courses has been submitted to the
appropriate Departmental and College committees to receive approval as new courses
with “hard” numbers. Receiving approval from the University’s VPAC committee is
anticipated for later this semester.
Program Sequencing
Courses will follow the online term format.
Term III (March 13, 2006 - May 19, 2006)
HLTH 688 U - Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance (3 credits)
HLTH 688 V - Public Health Information Systems (3 credits)
Term IV (June 12, 2006 - August 18, 2006)
HLTH 688 W - Information Management for Public Health Professionals (3 credits)
HLTH 688 Y - Advanced Health Informatics (3 credits)
3
Term I (September 11, 2006 - November 17, 2006)
HLTH 688 U - Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Surveillance (3 credits)
HLTH 688 V- Public Health Information Systems (3 credits)
Term II (December 11, 2006 – February 16, 2007)
HLTH 688 W - Information Management for Public Health Professionals (3 credits)
HLTH 688 Y - Advanced Health Informatics (3 credits)
Faculty
Faculty selection and appointments will be made by the Department of Public &
Community Health, College of Health and Human Development.
Assessment Plan
The purpose of this plan is to set clear guidelines identify articulated outcomes and
ensure avenues for continuous improvement for each graduate certificate and program
managed by the Office of Professional Studies. It is our mission to provide programs
that meet UMD’s institutional goals and objectives for educational activities.
Student Learning
Outcomes
A. Students will learn to:
1. Collection, storage,
retrieval, analysis and
interpretation of health data;
2. Planning, organization,
administration,
management, and
evaluation of health
information systems;
3. Describe and analyze the
distributions and
determinants of disease.
B. Students will
demonstrate application of
fundamental concepts of
community health analysis,
with special reference to
community description,
analysis of communication
pathways, coordinating
provision of health
education services, and
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Assessment Measures and
Criteria
A. Successfully complete quiz
questions (80 pts or above)
Assessment Schedule
Web-based achievement
evaluation tools (to include
quiz, matching questions,
calculations and short
essays) will be employed to
evaluate learning
accomplishments. These
tools will be used in every 2
class sessions.
These data will be collected
for every class to begin in
March 2006.
B-E. Successfully complete a
concept proposal/paper for the
course.
Students will demonstrate their
competencies in public health
informatics by addressing the
following questions:
4
roles of health information in
relation to learning and the
behavioral change process.
1) What is the type of
technology or innovation being
considered?
C. Students will understand
the process of health
communication, including
risk communication by
collecting, analyzing and
presenting data correctly.
2) What is the background of
the health organization that
uses this technology?
D. Student will gain
competencies of health
informatics by summarizing
health information and
analysis in the proposal and
paper required for the
program.
E. Students will
demonstrate knowledge of
describing and analyzing
the distributions and
determinants of disease by
using computer applications
and programs.
3) How does this technology fit
in the overall strategic plan of
the organization? How does
the business plan relate to the
concept or theory introduced in
class?
4) How will the plan be
implemented?
5) A “Strength, Weakness,
Opportunity and Challenge”
(SWOC) analysis.
UMD Roles and Responsibilities
Office of Professional Studies
Program Manager
1. perform market research with marketing team
2. meet with campus partners to built internal team for program
3. create budgets
4. manage daily aspects of program
5. provide all necessary administrative support
6. develop Internal Partner MOA
7. coordinate Academic Oversight Committee
8. spearhead approval process on campus
9. manage program logistics (rooms, schedules, student orientation,
instructor contracts, campus waivers)
10. manage marketing initiatives to promote program
11. assist with student retention issues
12. liaise with instructors on student concerns
13. evaluate the program
5
SPOC Manager:
14. manage the creation of web sites for admission and registration processes
15. enter courses into the system (with appropriate codes)
16. assist students with online admissions and registration
17. monitor student academic progress with graduate school
18. answer administrative questions from students
19. monitor enrollments and student progress
20. manage all program-related forms (admissions w/graduate school,
graduation application, etc.)
21. assist with graduation clearances
OPS Financial manager:
22. review the budgets
23. make transfers to academic partners
Graduate School
1. provide rep to serve on Academic Oversight Committee
2. ensure that Graduate School requirements are met
3. process graduate student admissions
4. monitor academic progress
CORE Department
1. provide rep to serve on Academic Oversight Committee
2. assist with identifying appropriate audiences for marketing initiatives
3. identify instructors for the core courses
4. manage academic disputes
5. manage grading process with instructors/dept via UMEG
6. provide FRS account # for revenue transfer
Elective Departments
1. may serve on Academic Oversight Committee
2. identify instructors for the elective courses
3. manage academic disputes
4. manage grading process with instructors/dept via UMEG
5. provide FRS account # for revenue transfer
6
4. manage academic disputes
5. manage grading process with instructorsldept via UMEG
6. provide FRS accol-~nt#for revenue transfer
Elective Departments
1. may serve on Academic Oversight Committee
2. identify instructors for the elective courses
3. manage academic disputes
4. manage grading process with instructorsldept via UMEG
5. provide FRS account # for revenue transfer
Campus Approvals:
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YLcJ /u,ams
, ~skociateProvost and Dean, Office of Professional Studies
(date)
I / ! / &
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S. ~ b l dDean,
,
College of Health and Human Performance
(date)
/vdVLt,20aJ(date')
ert D. Glover, Chair, Department of Public and Community Health
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C. Ed Hsu, Assistant Professor, Department of Public and Community Health
PCC, Graduate Council
Ann Wylie, Dean, Graduate School
PCC, Campus Senate
Phyllis Peres , Associate Provost, Academic Affairs
(date)
(date)
(date)
(date)
(date)
GCPS Public Health Informatics Addendum to Program Proposal
1.B. By FY08, the Department of Public and Community Health hopes to reach a steady
state of eight courses per year (two courses during each of the four Twelve-week terms).
The department is planning for a total of 160 registrations (seat count) per year.
According to a market research report conducted for the Office of Professional Studies,
as an emerging occupation in the public health and healthcare fields, the market for a
certificate in public health informatics is broad. A scan of public health employment
opportunities found that informatics competencies were newly emerging and were
required in the areas of government, education, healthcare, policy research, foundations,
and professional associations. Potential markets for the program include employees of
local, state, and federal health departments, health educators, healthcare administrators,
physicians, nurses, health insurers, researchers, and statisticians. Job functions vary from
upper level managers to project managers, policy and data analysts, and medical and
healthcare researchers.
1.C. Public health is a large, interdisciplinary field. The American Public Health
Association alone claims a membership of 50,000 practicing professionals in over 50
different healthcare occupations. Currently, there are three fully online programs (Duke
University’s School of Nursing, University of Illinois – Chicago’s School of Public
Health, and University of Pittsburgh’s School of Library and Information Sciences) and
one hybrid program (University of North Texas’s School of Public Health) with a public
health informatics focus. Given the estimated size of the market, and the fact that certain
segments of the healthcare field require that their practicing professionals be credentialed
and seek continuing education, we believe that the market not only can support another
program, but needs another program to meet the expected growth in the need for
professionals with informatics competencies.
2. B. All instructors who teach in the program will be members of the graduate faculty
and be approved by the Dean of the college. Faculty will teach on overload.
Addendum
March 16, 2006
GCPS in Public Health Informatics
In response to the University Senate PCC’s request for additional information
regarding the GCPS in Public Health Informatics, the Department of Public and
Community Health is providing the following responses to questions submitted in
an e-mail dated March 3rd to Ann Wylie from the committee.
1. The committee felt that an understanding of statistics was absolutely essential
to this area of study, and recommended that either a course in statistics be
incorporated into the curriculum or that the criteria for admission be amended to
require an appropriate background in math and statistics.
An undergraduate or graduate course in statistics, or a math equivalent, will be
added as a requirement for admission into the program.
2. The courses are conducted online, in terms shorter than those offered in the
University’s regular semesters. The committee expressed concern that students
in these online courses would not be getting sufficient instructional time
equivalent to that which is required in regular on-campus courses.
On May 1, 2000, the full University Senate approved the Master of Life Sciences
program in a 10-week-term format. This was the first online program offered by
the University. On June 30, 2000, the Finance Committee, including the
President and Provost, approved the 10 week format for online programs. The
Master of Life Sciences and the Master of Engineering in Fire Protection are both
fully online, asynchronous programs and utilize the 10 week format in their
courses. Faculty members who teach in those programs believe that the 10
week format is appropriate because of the rigor and intensity of the course
material, and because of the intensity of the interaction required among the
students and instructors. Experience with these programs has shown that the
material covered in the courses equals, and in many cases, exceeds that of a
traditional 15 week, face-to-face course.